Books Like...
The 'Ballad of Nightmares' in the 'Nightmares Duology' by Jack Whitney is a dark and passionate tale that follows the captivating romance between Death, known as Sam, and Ana, his perfect match. The story is filled with twists and turns, featuring a mix of shifters, demons, witches, and myths, all intertwined with prophecies. The writing style is described as evoking deep emotions, with exceptional world-building and character development that immerses the reader in the intense and raw relationship between the main characters.
The book explores themes of love, darkness, beauty, horrors, and the journey of the characters through a deliciously dark and intriguing plot. Readers are drawn into a world where Death is depicted in a positive light, with a strong emphasis on perspective and the importance of every element in the narrative. The book is praised for its steamy scenes, captivating banter, and the strong relationship between the characters that keeps the readers engaged from start to finish.
If you liked Ballad of Nightmares, here are the top 15 books to read next:
- #1
'Bitten by Death' follows the story of Vivien, a girl who wakes up in a morgue with no memory of her past and an insatiable thirst for blood. As the plot unfolds, she meets Death and becomes known as Vivienne, embarking on a journey filled with mystery, suspense, and a unique take on vampires. The writing style is praised for its blend of humor, slow burn romance, epic worldbuilding, and a strong, sassy heroine that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #2
'Kiss of Death' in the series 'Tempting the Fates' by Alice Wilde is a dark fantasy romance that weaves elements of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. The story follows Hazel, a character facing dark and challenging circumstances in her life, including abuse and forced proximity to a dangerous being. As the plot unfolds, Hazel finds herself in the company of Death, leading to unexpected bargains and emotional depth in their interactions. The writing style is immersive, emotional, and captivating, with a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey.
- #3
Mortal Heart by R.L. LaFevers is the third and final book in the His Fair Assassin trilogy, focusing on Annith's story. Set in medieval France, the book follows Annith as she navigates her role as an assassin devoted to the god of death, Mortain. The story delves into themes of love, trust, faith, and hope, while also exploring the lengths people are willing to go for those they love. With a blend of historical events and fantasy elements, the book ties up the trilogy with revelations, twists, and a satisfactory end.
The book is praised for its strong female characters, intricate world-building, and a slow-burning romance that captivates readers. The plot is filled with surprises, twists, and a sense of adventure that keeps the readers engaged till the end. LaFevers' writing style seamlessly combines historical details with imaginative storytelling, creating a richly layered tale of devotion, love, and personal growth.
FOR MOST, THE BLEAK DARK months when the black storms come howling out of the north is a time of grimness and sorrow as people await the arrival of winter, which brings death, hunger, and bitter cold ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series His Fair Assassin ) - #4
Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt is a dark fairytale set in a kingdom plagued by illness. The story follows Keturah, a young storyteller, who encounters Lord Death in the woods and strikes a deal with him to gain extra time to find her true love. As Keturah navigates through her village, she weaves tales, faces challenges, and explores the themes of life, death, love, and sacrifice. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, with a mix of haunting atmosphere, lovely language, and a traditional high romance structure.
I was picking new peas in our garden, which is bordered by the forest, when the famed hart, the hart that had eluded Lord Temsland and his finest hunters many times, the hart about which I had told ma... - #5
'Death' by Laura Thalassa is the fourth book in 'The Four Horsemen' series, focusing on the character Death who is portrayed as a cold and dominating figure. The book explores Death's interactions with Lazarus, a woman who is the only person he cannot kill, leading to a complex relationship filled with tension, intrigue, and a battle of wills. Through the interactions between Death and Lazarus, the story delves into themes of love, mortality, and the struggle between duty and desire, all set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic world.
The writing style of 'Death' is described as engaging and emotionally impactful, with readers expressing a range of reactions from heartbreak to laughter. The book is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a memorable reading experience, as it weaves together elements of romance, action, and suspense in a unique and compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of life, death, and the human experience.
A trickle of sweat drips down between my shoulder blades as I look over the list of items I need to pick up for my niece’s birthday barbeque later today. There’s a dull drone of noise around me as peo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Four Horsemen ) - #6
'Inextricably Tied' in the series 'Lost Touch Duet' by Aveda Vice follows the story of Harbinger, Flint, and Agony as they navigate a world filled with romance, suspense, humor, mystery, and steam. Harbin and Flint, investigative characters, are brought in to solve the murders of several women, only to discover that the case involves a sentient object connected to a serial killer's night terror. As the trio delves deeper into the mystery, the book explores themes of love, trust, trauma, and the complexities of their relationships, all set in a dark and gritty world with paranormal elements.
The plot is intricately woven with detective work, emotional depth, and spicy scenes, keeping readers engaged and invested in the evolving relationships between the characters. Aveda Vice's writing style combines elements of romance, suspense, and supernatural elements, creating a unique and captivating story that explores themes of grief, guilt, love, and sacrifice, making it a truly unforgettable read.
- #7
'Blood Moon' by Jillian Graves is a spicy romance novella featuring Hazel, a tall and plus-sized witch, and Vlad, a mind-reading vampire. The story unfolds in a world filled with monsters, magic, and a bar that caters to the paranormal community. The plot revolves around the steamy and intense relationship between Hazel and Vlad, who start off as business competitors but quickly become entangled in a lustful and conflicted romance. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and well-developed, with a focus on creating a believable cast of characters and a compelling rivals-to-lovers storyline. The novella is praised for its mix of magic, blood, humor, and steamy scenes that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
- #8
River of Shadows by Karina Halle is a dark fantasy novel set in the fantastical world of Finnish mythology. The story follows Hanna, a brave and strong protagonist who embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead to rescue her father from the God of Death himself. As Hanna navigates through the Realm of the Dead, encountering various mythical creatures and gods, she must confront dark secrets about her family and herself. The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, intricate world-building, and the complex relationship between Hanna and Death.
River of Shadows is a captivating blend of Beauty and the Beast and Hades and Persephone, featuring enemies-to-lovers trope, captive situations, and a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Karina Halle's writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and emotionally charged, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue, romance, and dark fantasy elements.
“We come from the land of the ice and snow, where the midnight sun and the hot springs flow,” Robert Plant sings through my noise-canceling headphones as the plane begins its descent. My music choice ... - #9
'Sworn to the Shadow God' is a fantasy romance novel in the 'Aspect and Anchor' series by Ruby Dixon. The story follows Maxine 'Max' Chavez, a kindhearted and loyal woman, who finds herself pulled into a chaotic medieval land where she meets Rhagos, the shadow lord or 'Death.' The book is written from Max's point of view, providing insight into her optimistic and stubborn nature, as well as her evolving relationship with Rhagos. Throughout the story, the author weaves in elements of world-building, history, and character development, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
The banter between Max and Rhagos, the God of Death, adds humor and depth to their interactions, making their dynamic engaging and relatable. As the plot unfolds, readers witness Max's influence on Rhagos, inspiring him to become a better man and challenging his preconceived notions. With elements of mystery, romance, and adventure, 'Sworn to the Shadow God' offers a blend of familiar tropes and unique storytelling that keeps readers entertained and invested in the characters' journey.
“I’ll have it to you before then, I promise,” I told him, faking a bright smile before I turned and calmly walked to the far end of the office floor, where the coffee station was set up. I’d sort of f...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Aspect and Anchor ) - #10
Grave Witch follows the story of Alex Craft, a grave witch with necromancy abilities, who gets entangled in a complex web of paranormal and normal politics as she navigates through mysteries and dangerous situations. The book introduces a unique world where magic, fae, shades, ghosts, and intricate characters like Death and Detective Falin Andrews play crucial roles in Alex's investigations and personal life. The plot is fast-paced, filled with suspenseful moments, unexpected twists, and well-developed mythology, making it an engaging and thrilling read for fans of urban fantasy.
The first time I encountered Death, I hurled my mother’s medical chart at him.As far as impressions went, I blew it, but I was five at the time, so he eventually forgave me. Some days I wished he hadn...